/> The unpleasant Heroine episode is all but forgotten. Though it's unlikely that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will r work with Madhur Bhandarkar in the near future, the process of patching up with UTV, the production house which was to produce Heroine, has begun.

And the man who has unwittingly initiated the healing process between the Bachchans and UTV is the diminutive director Rajkumar Gupta who was very keen from the start on signing Abhishek for the lead role in his next film Ghanchakkar.

Says a source, "There are two protagonists in Ghanchakkar. A male and a female. Abhishek and Vidya Balan were Rajkumar's first choice from the start. Abhishek fitted the role perfectly.

But then he came to know about the differences over Heroine between the Bachchans and UTV. Rajkumar then went to Saif Ali Khan who was also an apt choice for the part. But somehow Gupta had his heart set on Abhishek for the part. "

This is where the young Amir, No One Killed Jessica director took the initiative.

Says a source, "Rajkumar spoke to both the parties and was relieved when they displayed a maturity and professionalism in their attitude. Vidya who is very fond of the Bachchans and her Jessica director also played a part in the patch-up. "

Now Gupta flies to Jaipur here Abhishek is shooting for Bol Bachchan to finalize the actor.

Speaking with glassware caution Rajkumat Gupta says, "Yes. I am meeting Abhishek soon. The quirky cocky character in Ghanchakkar is perfect for Abhishek. In real life Abhishek has this amazing wry subtle sense of humour which is not the in-your-face humour that is immediately appreciated. I want to harness Abhishek's real-life warmth and humour on screen. "

Ironically Gupta will interact with Abhishek on the location for Rohit Shetty comedy.

Not quite the wry subtle humour that Rajkumar Gupta is looking for.

Adds the director, "My first film Aamir was a guy film. My second film No One Killed Jessica was a girls' film. Now my third is girl-meets-guy film. "

Vidya who played Abhishek's wife in Paa and Dum Maro Dum won't be married to him in Ghanchakkar.